Irrigation to Improve Performance of

Agroforestry for FoodDr. Sarah Taylor Lovell

Associate ProfessorDepartment of Crop Sciences

Agroforestry for Food offers an alternative solution for producing food in the Midwest• Corn and soybeans dominate the Midwest landscape, but

result in unintended consequences for environmental health • Large-scale, long-term research trial established to study an

alternative production system, called “Agroforestry for Food”. • Woody plant species that supply fruits and nuts • Mimics Midwest oak savanna, with multiple layers• Field site was established using funds provided by the Institute for

Sustainability, Energy & Environment (iSEE).

11 February 2018

AGROFORESTRY is the integration of trees and/or shrubs with crops and/or livestock

Oak savanna ecosystem can serve as a model for structure and function of plantings

Agroforestry for Food

Chestnut

Currant

Hazel Apple

The goal is to obtain funding for irrigation

• iSEE funding unable to cover the cost of installing the permanent irrigation system • Irrigation is necessary for optimal plant

growth and consistent production • Represents what growers will do• Reduce number of years until plants

become productive with fruits and nuts• Now we have a detailed, accurate quote

Students will be further engaged with the project, including managing irrigation• Invaluable opportunity for students to learn and experience

innovative fruit and nut crop systems. • System is designed for commercial scale, so students get the

full understanding of farming in a mechanized manner. •Multidisciplinary project connects several departments • Fruits and nuts from the site are expected to be used by

Dining Services, allowing students to experience locally grown, sustainable food in the dining halls.

MWP Research Update

Lovell/Branham – Jan 2016

Budget and timeline

• The site has been assessed for irrigation, and a detailed quote of labor and materials is available from Indiana Irrigation Co., Inc. We have everything in place to be able to install the system this summer (2018), if we obtain funding.

• Total budgetary request for this project is $53,546.38• $20,866 in materials• $17,680 for labor• $15,000 (estimated) for F&S to hook up to water line

Questions?